Nightingale's Nightmare (Cassadaga Book 4 by Elizabeth Owens Read Free Book Online

of the entrance. “A scull, huh? What next are you going to discover?”
    “Maybe a whole skeleton, who knows ?” Chloe handed the scull to Corporal France. “Ralph found it in that garden.”
    The deputy walked over to where the ground was turned over and the gardening equipment lay. He poked his hand down the hole. “Doesn’t appear to be more bones, but I think we’ll have to make sure. Don’t do any more digging.”
    He called into dispatch, requesting a detective to attend the scene.
    “You’re not going to be able to plant any flowers right now, Chloe,” Bill informed her. “I’m pretty sure they’ll want to dig around for more bones.”
    “That’s going to be a mess,” she said. “What am I going to tell my customers?”
    “The truth,” he said with a grin. “It could be good for business.”
    “Umm, I’m not so sure.”
    “ Corporal France, is it?” Ralph asked, reading the name plate pinned to his chest.
    “Yes, sir.”
    “When all this is done, may I have the scull?”
    France looked a bit taken aback at the request. “You want the scull?”
    “Yes, I collect sculls.”
    Both Chloe and Bill looked curiously at Ralph.
    “Why would you collect sculls?” Chloe asked.
    “ They just fascinate me, is all.”
    “I would suggest you submit a written request for that consideration and give it to admin. If nothing much comes of this, they’ll probably let you have it.”
    “Thank you, I’ll do just that.”
    While they waited for a detective, Chloe chatted with the deputy.
    “Have you seen Nightingale lately?”
    “No, I can’t see her until she’s no longer a murder suspect. That has to be cleared up first.”
    “Oh. Well, then. That’s not good.”
    Bill appeared awkward as he looked down at Chloe.
    “No, it’s not good at all. She’s pretty pissed over it. And at me.”
    “I would be, too.”
    “Chloe, I’m in law enforcement,” he said. “I can’t be hanging out with a woman suspected of murder.”
    “You don’t actually think she did such a thing?” Chloe’s eyes grew large as she stared in disbelief at Bill.
    “No, of course not.”
    “And you weren’t just hanging out; you were dating, a couple.” Chloe felt she should remind him of that fact.
    “I know, but I can’t continue dating Nightingale under these circumstances. I just can’t.”
    Chloe didn’t respond, but her expression showed disapproval of the situation.
    “Another cop car coming,” Ralph announced, pointing at the white vehicle turning onto Stevens Street. “This is going to get interesting.”

Nine
     
    Helen’s teacup gave an angry chime against the saucer as she set it back in place. Ralph looked at her from across the table. The couple frequently enjoyed having a cup of tea late in the afternoon, either at the Hotel or Helen’s house. Today they had chosen the Hotel.
    “You collect sculls?”
    “Yes, I do.”
    “Why on earth would you do that, Ralph?”
    “They fascinate me.” It was a simple answer, but not suitable enough for Helen.
    “I’m fascinated that JFK talks to me. I’m fascinated that spirits guide my life. Sculls? Fascinated? Not hardly.” Helen picked the cup up again, bringing it shakily to her red lips.
    “People collect all kinds of things—teacups, for example,” he said, pointing at Helen’s teacup. “Frog figurines, pigs. So, I happen to collect skulls.”
    “Are you a bit touched, Ralph?” Helen asked the question seriously, as if she were asking about the weather.
    “What? You think somebody’s got to be touched to collect skulls? Are you daffy, woman?” Ralph looked an noyed.
    “JFK says you’re the daffy one,” she replied.
    “Humph.” Ralph rolled his eyes. “Would you like to see my collection?”
    “I don’t know…maybe . But just out of curiosity.”
    “Let’s go. Right now.” Ralph stood up.
    “My, you’re so impatient, lately,” Helen said, standing to join him. “I haven’t even finished the tea.”
    They walked down